FAIRBANKS, Alaska (AP) — A North Pole legislator wants to get rid of state safety regulations for food sold by Alaska producers directly to consumers.
The Fairbanks Daily News-Miner reports the goal of Republican Tammie Wilson is to assist the growth of Alaska's local food industry and farmers markets.
Alaska health officials testified against the bill at a committee hearing last week.
The measure would remove safety regulations for traditional farmers market fare but also for seafood, shellfish, poultry, meat and dairy products.
The Department of Environmental Conservation has no regulations for fruits and vegetables, syrup, honey or jam but does regulate processed and raw food that have high potential for dangerous bacteria.
Wilson says permits and expensive equipment are stifling local food development and consumers should take responsibility for what they eat.